The Free Exercise of Religion
The Free Exercise of Religion
In this brief essay, Gene Veith reflects on the First Amendment and recommends a new book to help us understand the dangers ahead.
The First Amendment to the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” (Amendment 1. U. S. Constitution.)
It is important to note that this amendment allows the free exercise of religion.
But when progressives talk about religious liberty, they tend to refer to “the freedom to worship.” But the “exercise” of religion means the freedom to act on one’s religious beliefs.
However, there is a vast difference between freedom of religion and freedom of worship.
And those who would grant us freedom of worship will allow us to do as we wish in our homes, churches, and synagogues.
But this is not what the First Amendment promises.
The free exercise of religion guarantees us the right to practice our religion any time and place. It means that a Christian can have a cross in her cubicle at work. A Muslim can openly display a copy of the Koran on his desk.
The free exercise of religion means we can express our faith in the public square without fear of oppression.
And, the First Amendment grants this right to Jew, Muslim, Christian, atheist, Buddhist, etc.
Our Own Government Attacks Religious Freedom
Unfortunately, previous administrations (Obama), and our current administration, don’t see it this way.
To help us understand what this means and how we must respond, Veith points us to Sean Spicer’s new book, RADICAL NATION: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s Dangerous Plan for America
What does this mean for Christians unwilling to compromise their faith if Biden, Harris, and the cultural elites have their way? (To begin, think of how ancient Rome first responded to Christianity).
- We are intolerant.
- We are outside the mainstream of culture and are a danger to society.
- They will limit us to “freedom of worship” and anything outside that definition will be a criminal act.
- Persecution of Christians is now acceptable.
So, what is the bottom line here?
Simply put, co-opting the First Amendment’s “Free Exercise of Religion” to “Freedom of Worship” is another step toward the persecution of Christians in our nation.
Please share your comments and let me know what you are thinking.
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